The amount of cognitive load on students increases when they are expected to decode different styles of course design for each course every semester. Consistent course design can help alleviate their stress and encourage them to work more quickly through the course structure so that they can focus on course content instead of searching for items in Canvas.

As an instructor, you may find you are getting a lot of questions from students about when things are due, what they should read or where things are located. If this is common in your course, improved course structure could minimize the amount of time you are spending explaining where items are located.  Improved course structure reduces the amount of administrative work the instructor has to do because everything is clear from the beginning of class. 

These methods are also supportive of absent students, late adds, students who may have missed details of the assignment or emergency remote situations.

Help students find their way with a video tour

A video tour introduces the faculty member and helps students find things on the course site. A quick screencast touring students around the course structure helps them feel welcome and prepared.

Use a low-stakes assignments for students to learn navigation and functionality

A  low-stakes assignment helps students go through the process of submitting content so they can see where everything lives in Canvas. Scavenger hunts are also a great way to help students orient themselves to the course structure.

Weekly checklists

Weekly checklists encourage students to stay on track and follow through with assignments. Students can be incentivized to participate with a grade percentage or points for participation.

Consistent course announcements 

Schedule announcements ahead of time  to make sure you don’t forget to update students during peak busy times in the semester. Using Announcements in Canvas that have been scheduled ahead and are released on certain days can ease the workload on instructors.

Modules in Canvas

Using Canvas Modules to organize content in your course is similar to a table of contents in a book. You or your GSI can organize the content and activities in a linear fashion that flows as the students advance through the semester. Utilize subheadings in Canvas Modules to designate for students what is content and what is an activity with a due date. 

Consistent file names

Students must search through multiple files to find the one topic or item if just the default filenames are used. Name the files appropriately and consistently. Use the author’s name or title or topic, but not an inconsistent combination of these three in the file titles.

When students are taking multiple courses, Announcements, daily or weekly low-stakes activities and calendars assist students in staying organized. One of the great benefits of using consistent course structural elements is that it improves the student experience both in-person and remotely. It also results in less questions and emails for the instructor. Students adapt more quickly to outside disruptions if they have measurable goals and can rely on weekly announcements and activities to keep them on track.

Resources: 

Gober, C. (2022) Ten Online Structural Components to Support Learning. Faculty Focus.
https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/online-course-design-and-preparation/10-online-course-structural-components-to-support-learning/?st=FFdaily%3Bsc%3DFF220601%3Butm_term%3DFF220601